I am now a 2nd semester student at Berklee! I feel like a pro!
I was so excited about coming back to Berklee after the lovely break! I returned with my cymbals this time! The flight was longer than ever and bumpier than ever. A bit scary at times. It was a bit of aftermath of the gale force winds and just intense winter on the east coast. But in the end it was all safe and no real problems. Once I landed I found out I had probably brought too many bags for being as cheap as I am. I took the T (Boston underground) and there are way too many stairs for so many bags. I could've taken a taxi, which would have been a lot easier, but it's a lot more expensive!
Anyway, I arrived safely and got there eventually.
Of course I immediately went to find Sixy Sissy! We spent the rest of the evening catching up and she told me about her new RA (Resident Advisor) life in the big new building. She's very busy and I'm very sad that we don't get time to hang out anymore, but she's still working very hard, so I'm still happy with her.
The new building is very spectacular, beautiful and special, but it's also very inefficient, quick to break and going to take some time for processes to be figured out. The building is 10 floors taller than the other main building and the view is magnificent! You can see all of Boston, literally: into Fenway Park, the frozen Charles River, the Prudential Center and just everything! The new cafeteria is pretty spectacular. Apparently, when the staff were let in there the first time, they were all so overjoyed that they had a decent selection of appliances and that they worked. It's pretty funny. The new cafeteria has two floors, larger selection of food and a lot of windows for a lovely view of Boston.
After a few days I was made aware that I needed a haircut, so I went to my 'regular' spot, which I've been to once between the Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's. I sat down and got this typical Boston woman to cut my hair. Turns out it was the most violent haircut I ever had. She actually scraped my head back to try and collect the hair in her hands. She was also rather reckless with the razor, cleaning up the hairlines around my neck and ears. After that, she was very quick to ring me up to pay before I could mention I had a discount card. She told me she couldn't put the discount in so it was left at $15. Then she asked how much tip I was giving. Obviously I said none because she overcharged me when forgetting the discount. Later when I checked my bank account I found out she actually gave herself a $5 tip and put the bill at $20.
What nerve! That was really stupid and annoying.
Anyway, now that I'm looking fresh, I was ready for classes, but the first Monday was Martin Luther King Day so day off. Only on class on Tuesday, Harmony 2, (quick side note, he was playing 'Hit Me' by Dirty Loops when I walked so I knew it was going to be fun with this teacher). Then Wednesday was a snow because there was so much hype about the blizzard, but I woke up the next day, looked outside and the roads were white from all the salt left over after the snow had melted and dried. That was frustrating. I was really looking forward to my first Private lesson, but I guess that wasn't happening. Really annoying because the practice rooms were also closed, so a waste of a day really.
This gave me the time to try and get a job. I knew the job I wanted, 'work study' in the drum practice rooms because it actually puts me in an environment where I am getting paid to do my homework! It's great! I know the student supervisor from the British Club, Andrew, and I told him I wanted to do it. He helped me out greatly and kept coming to me first any time a time slot opened up and I jumped at any opportunity. The reason I wanted this job is mostly because I want some new drum pedals. I've got to get me some DW 9000 Series Double Pedals! Also, I've been wanting a job for a long time so I can become self sufficient and getting used to the real world. So I'm currently working 10 regular hours a week, but I often pick up extra shifts, or help out at clinics or move drum kits around the school. It's pretty fun and I'm glad I got this job.
Before I got to Berklee my Dad warned me almost everyday about the freezing cold weathers they have in Boston. He hasn't been wrong, but I haven't found it that bad yet. Normally I don't walk outside for very long, but as long as I keep my hands in my pockets and wear some ear muffs, I don't think there is an issue at all. My phone said it was like -10 degrees Celsius, but feels like -21 for example and that is definitely bearable. I'm happy with that.
As a result of the cold, there is plenty of snow or at least plenty of talk of snow. 2 weeks after the first, there was another snow day, again making me miss my private lesson (GRRRR), but this time there was more snow. Roads were still clear, but there was some in the local park. So naturally we went there and played in the snow. We found friends who had sleds on the hill. Also, our good ol' Texan, Katie 'El Presidente' Hattier had never built a snowman so that was the first thing on her agenda. We built a nice tall snowman and then I had the urge to tackle. So I did! I made sure my friends filmed it for me and it was spectacular! I put the video on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (of course!). The next day I saw on my Twitter that someone had replied to my video. It was a rugby club in Boston saying, 'You should play for us!' I obviously said yes and now I am going to play for the Wolfhounds in March. Need to find some gear though...
Then there was last weekend.
Last weekend I was a part of a video shoot for the Berklee YouTube page. One of the only I've ever worked with my teachers. Weird experience seeing them in their real life, professional situation. Or as close as possible so far. The story behind the video is a little sad, but the video itself is going to look super fun! I'm playing Surdo and hopefully they used the take where I'm flipping my stick around. Always trying to steal the show! Basically, the need for the video is that the percussion department is sinking. Drums are fine, but hand percussion and orchestral percussion etc are apparently losing interest in the upcoming youth. This video is to show that we're still fun, there's a versatile percussion department and there's some real quality. Very excited to see the finished product!
After that my friend told me about an upcoming audition I was very excited about. He told there me there were auditions happening for the Assistant Conductor of the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra. As soon as I got back to my room, I emailed the teacher responsible so I could tell the man I wanted to do it and find out the audition requirements. He wanted us to prepare excerpts from Stravinsky's 'Royal March', Berlioz' 'Symphonie Fantastique' and, one of my favorite pieces ever, Tchaikovsky's 'Romeo and Juliet: Fantasy Overture'. The last time I've been involved in the Tchaikovsky is when I was playing Timpani under the direction of Dudamel. Probably the world's leading conductor right now. It was so amazing watching him at work so I tried to copy him as much as possible in that audition. Another related story, which is actually so cool, is that after my audition he told me that was a cofounder of El Sistema! So he is partly responsible for the existence of Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra. The best in the world! I couldn't believe it! El Sistema is a revolutionary program that started in Venezuela, where they basically gave less fortunate neighborhoods the chance to play music and give them something to keep them away from the bad situation on their streets. The same mission as the Samba Band/Organization I play for, Grooversity. So amazing to have met Francisco! But the audition itself, he seemed happy with me, but he referred to the fact that I was 'only' a 2nd semester and then proceeded to tell me about classes I should take and then 'if' it doesn't work out that I should reaudition in later years. Don't get me wrong, he was very happy with me and we had a great time together, but he was looking for someone older and he really wants me to reaudition and I should get the job rather easy then.
Lastly, in the spirit of Valentines Day and our upcoming 3 year Anniversary, I really want to thank Hannah for sticking with me while we're so far apart. She's so understanding and supportive of all my big dreams and spending the Christmas holidays with her made realize why I have to be at Berklee and maybe spend too much time in the practice room and not enough time on Google Plus with her because I want to make sure that I can come out of Berklee providing the best family environment for Hannah and I to be together from then on.
I love you, Hannah and thank you for being by my side... Metaphorically speaking.
I thank you very much for taking the time to read this. I hope you find this anywhere near as exciting as I do. I just want you to see how amazingly contrasting and interesting this world can be.
And if you've enjoyed this maybe you'll also enjoy my drum covers? You can find them in the tab at the bottom of the home page labelled 'To my other videos', which should take you to my YouTube page.
Please stay tuned for the next installments and I will try to get them out more frequently, but I'm trying to make sure I get enough content in and I spend enough time to thoroughly write this.
Hope your life is well
P.S. I have a Venezuelan friend who was singing a straight 16th note (semi quaver) rhythm in ear training class and it made him think of the military and he became scared because of the turmoil happening in his home country. His Mom is still stuck there, they won't allow any airplanes in or out of the country and he is scared and angered everyday by the ridiculous actions of the Venezuelan Government. I hate seeing him like this and this needs to stop! World awareness is what freed Mandela, let's see if it works this time. Please build the awareness for the mess that is going on in Venezuela, it needs to stop!
I was so excited about coming back to Berklee after the lovely break! I returned with my cymbals this time! The flight was longer than ever and bumpier than ever. A bit scary at times. It was a bit of aftermath of the gale force winds and just intense winter on the east coast. But in the end it was all safe and no real problems. Once I landed I found out I had probably brought too many bags for being as cheap as I am. I took the T (Boston underground) and there are way too many stairs for so many bags. I could've taken a taxi, which would have been a lot easier, but it's a lot more expensive!
Anyway, I arrived safely and got there eventually.
Of course I immediately went to find Sixy Sissy! We spent the rest of the evening catching up and she told me about her new RA (Resident Advisor) life in the big new building. She's very busy and I'm very sad that we don't get time to hang out anymore, but she's still working very hard, so I'm still happy with her.
The new building is very spectacular, beautiful and special, but it's also very inefficient, quick to break and going to take some time for processes to be figured out. The building is 10 floors taller than the other main building and the view is magnificent! You can see all of Boston, literally: into Fenway Park, the frozen Charles River, the Prudential Center and just everything! The new cafeteria is pretty spectacular. Apparently, when the staff were let in there the first time, they were all so overjoyed that they had a decent selection of appliances and that they worked. It's pretty funny. The new cafeteria has two floors, larger selection of food and a lot of windows for a lovely view of Boston.
After a few days I was made aware that I needed a haircut, so I went to my 'regular' spot, which I've been to once between the Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang's. I sat down and got this typical Boston woman to cut my hair. Turns out it was the most violent haircut I ever had. She actually scraped my head back to try and collect the hair in her hands. She was also rather reckless with the razor, cleaning up the hairlines around my neck and ears. After that, she was very quick to ring me up to pay before I could mention I had a discount card. She told me she couldn't put the discount in so it was left at $15. Then she asked how much tip I was giving. Obviously I said none because she overcharged me when forgetting the discount. Later when I checked my bank account I found out she actually gave herself a $5 tip and put the bill at $20.
What nerve! That was really stupid and annoying.
Anyway, now that I'm looking fresh, I was ready for classes, but the first Monday was Martin Luther King Day so day off. Only on class on Tuesday, Harmony 2, (quick side note, he was playing 'Hit Me' by Dirty Loops when I walked so I knew it was going to be fun with this teacher). Then Wednesday was a snow because there was so much hype about the blizzard, but I woke up the next day, looked outside and the roads were white from all the salt left over after the snow had melted and dried. That was frustrating. I was really looking forward to my first Private lesson, but I guess that wasn't happening. Really annoying because the practice rooms were also closed, so a waste of a day really.
This gave me the time to try and get a job. I knew the job I wanted, 'work study' in the drum practice rooms because it actually puts me in an environment where I am getting paid to do my homework! It's great! I know the student supervisor from the British Club, Andrew, and I told him I wanted to do it. He helped me out greatly and kept coming to me first any time a time slot opened up and I jumped at any opportunity. The reason I wanted this job is mostly because I want some new drum pedals. I've got to get me some DW 9000 Series Double Pedals! Also, I've been wanting a job for a long time so I can become self sufficient and getting used to the real world. So I'm currently working 10 regular hours a week, but I often pick up extra shifts, or help out at clinics or move drum kits around the school. It's pretty fun and I'm glad I got this job.
Before I got to Berklee my Dad warned me almost everyday about the freezing cold weathers they have in Boston. He hasn't been wrong, but I haven't found it that bad yet. Normally I don't walk outside for very long, but as long as I keep my hands in my pockets and wear some ear muffs, I don't think there is an issue at all. My phone said it was like -10 degrees Celsius, but feels like -21 for example and that is definitely bearable. I'm happy with that.
As a result of the cold, there is plenty of snow or at least plenty of talk of snow. 2 weeks after the first, there was another snow day, again making me miss my private lesson (GRRRR), but this time there was more snow. Roads were still clear, but there was some in the local park. So naturally we went there and played in the snow. We found friends who had sleds on the hill. Also, our good ol' Texan, Katie 'El Presidente' Hattier had never built a snowman so that was the first thing on her agenda. We built a nice tall snowman and then I had the urge to tackle. So I did! I made sure my friends filmed it for me and it was spectacular! I put the video on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (of course!). The next day I saw on my Twitter that someone had replied to my video. It was a rugby club in Boston saying, 'You should play for us!' I obviously said yes and now I am going to play for the Wolfhounds in March. Need to find some gear though...
Then there was last weekend.
Last weekend I was a part of a video shoot for the Berklee YouTube page. One of the only I've ever worked with my teachers. Weird experience seeing them in their real life, professional situation. Or as close as possible so far. The story behind the video is a little sad, but the video itself is going to look super fun! I'm playing Surdo and hopefully they used the take where I'm flipping my stick around. Always trying to steal the show! Basically, the need for the video is that the percussion department is sinking. Drums are fine, but hand percussion and orchestral percussion etc are apparently losing interest in the upcoming youth. This video is to show that we're still fun, there's a versatile percussion department and there's some real quality. Very excited to see the finished product!
After that my friend told me about an upcoming audition I was very excited about. He told there me there were auditions happening for the Assistant Conductor of the Berklee Contemporary Symphony Orchestra. As soon as I got back to my room, I emailed the teacher responsible so I could tell the man I wanted to do it and find out the audition requirements. He wanted us to prepare excerpts from Stravinsky's 'Royal March', Berlioz' 'Symphonie Fantastique' and, one of my favorite pieces ever, Tchaikovsky's 'Romeo and Juliet: Fantasy Overture'. The last time I've been involved in the Tchaikovsky is when I was playing Timpani under the direction of Dudamel. Probably the world's leading conductor right now. It was so amazing watching him at work so I tried to copy him as much as possible in that audition. Another related story, which is actually so cool, is that after my audition he told me that was a cofounder of El Sistema! So he is partly responsible for the existence of Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra. The best in the world! I couldn't believe it! El Sistema is a revolutionary program that started in Venezuela, where they basically gave less fortunate neighborhoods the chance to play music and give them something to keep them away from the bad situation on their streets. The same mission as the Samba Band/Organization I play for, Grooversity. So amazing to have met Francisco! But the audition itself, he seemed happy with me, but he referred to the fact that I was 'only' a 2nd semester and then proceeded to tell me about classes I should take and then 'if' it doesn't work out that I should reaudition in later years. Don't get me wrong, he was very happy with me and we had a great time together, but he was looking for someone older and he really wants me to reaudition and I should get the job rather easy then.
Lastly, in the spirit of Valentines Day and our upcoming 3 year Anniversary, I really want to thank Hannah for sticking with me while we're so far apart. She's so understanding and supportive of all my big dreams and spending the Christmas holidays with her made realize why I have to be at Berklee and maybe spend too much time in the practice room and not enough time on Google Plus with her because I want to make sure that I can come out of Berklee providing the best family environment for Hannah and I to be together from then on.
I love you, Hannah and thank you for being by my side... Metaphorically speaking.
I thank you very much for taking the time to read this. I hope you find this anywhere near as exciting as I do. I just want you to see how amazingly contrasting and interesting this world can be.
And if you've enjoyed this maybe you'll also enjoy my drum covers? You can find them in the tab at the bottom of the home page labelled 'To my other videos', which should take you to my YouTube page.
Please stay tuned for the next installments and I will try to get them out more frequently, but I'm trying to make sure I get enough content in and I spend enough time to thoroughly write this.
Hope your life is well
P.S. I have a Venezuelan friend who was singing a straight 16th note (semi quaver) rhythm in ear training class and it made him think of the military and he became scared because of the turmoil happening in his home country. His Mom is still stuck there, they won't allow any airplanes in or out of the country and he is scared and angered everyday by the ridiculous actions of the Venezuelan Government. I hate seeing him like this and this needs to stop! World awareness is what freed Mandela, let's see if it works this time. Please build the awareness for the mess that is going on in Venezuela, it needs to stop!
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